Senate Democrats Respond to Latest Lies About Issue 1

Today, Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) and state Senator and Vice President of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Catherine D. Ingram (D-Cincinnati) responded to a press conference held by Issue 1 critics.

“It’s unfortunate that the critics of Issue 1 think that Ohioans are not smart enough to understand what they are voting on,” said Antonio. “This seems to be yet another attempt by Republicans at the eleventh hour to mislead voters about the crucial need for redistricting reform. As evidenced by the Ohio Conference NAACP, the Ohio Unity Coalition, the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus, and other civil rights organizations urging a ‘yes’ vote, Issue 1 will finally put an end to Ohio’s extensive track record of partisan gerrymandering that undermines voter representation, especially in marginalized communities. With a yes vote, citizens, not politicians will chart representation for Ohioans.”

“For generations, Black Americans have faced disenfranchisement, and gerrymandering adds an additional barrier to our adequate representation,” said Ingram. “Supporting Issue 1 would ensure fair maps are drawn and expand opportunities for greater representation across our state, beyond the areas that have historically confined us. Issue 1 is about allowing the people to choose their representatives, not the other way around.”